Why Ella, Nine Arches Bridge & Little Adam's Peak will steal your heart
Ella is the kind of place where travellers plan to stay two nights and end up staying five. Tucked into a lush valley in the hill country, surrounded by tea estates, forest and mountains, this small village combines stunning scenery with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, great cafés and some of the best easy walks in Sri Lanka.
Start with Little Adam's Peak. An easy walk of about 45 minutes through tea plantations leads to a grassy summit with sweeping views over Ella Gap, a dramatic cleft in the mountains that frames the lowlands far below. At sunrise, with mist rising from the valleys, it's pure magic, and the walk is suitable for most ages.
Next, head to the Nine Arches Bridge, one of Sri Lanka's most photographed sights. Built during the British colonial era from brick, stone and cement, this graceful viaduct spans a jungle ravine near Demodara. Find a spot on the hillside, check the train times, and wait for a blue train to curve across the bridge through the trees. It's a wonderful moment.
For a bigger challenge, climb Ella Rock. The trail follows the railway line, then climbs through forest and eucalyptus to a summit with an even grander view. For thrills, fly over the tea on a zipline, or visit Ravana Falls and the Ravana Cave, both steeped in the legend of the Ramayana. Tea factories nearby offer tours and tastings too.
In the evening, Ella's main street comes alive with cafés and restaurants serving everything from traditional rice and curry to wood-fired pizza. Take a cookery class and learn to make Sri Lankan curries with a local family. Then sit back with a view of the hills and a cold drink. There's no better place in Sri Lanka to relax between adventures.
